IPL 2026 | ‘Take it one game at a time’: Ajinkya Rahane shares KKR’s mantra after win over Mumbai Indians

Ajinkya Rahane (AP Photo/Bikas Das) NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane praised his team’s composure and experienced stars after Kolkata Knight Riders beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets to stay alive in the IPL 2026 playoff race.Rahane was particularly pleased with the efforts of veteran spinner Sunil Narine and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, whose disciplined bowling helped KKR keep Mumbai under pressure throughout the innings.“That was really important, I was really happy with the way Varun and Sunil bowled,” Rahane said after the win at Eden Gardens.The KKR skipper also praised veteran batsman Manish Pandey, who anchored the chase with a calm knock of 45 runs in a pressure game.“Really happy for Manish, his work ethic and attitude, it’s not easy when you don’t play regularly. I’m very happy today and every member is happy for Manish,” Rahane added.KKR’s win came after their bowlers restricted MI to 147/8 despite a late cameo from Corbin Bosch. During the chase, Manish Pandey and Rovman Powell put together a crucial partnership before Rinku Singh sealed the victory.Rahane said KKR’s recent improvement has come from focusing on one game at a time instead of looking too far ahead in the tournament.“What has worked for us in the last 6-7 games is being in the moment one game at a time,” he said.A win will keep Kolkata firmly in the play-offs heading into the final stages of the league season.